Terrorist Incident (Larne)

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which the town of Larne was bombed by the Irish Republican Army on Tuesday 29 April; what amounts of explosives were used; what is the estimated amount of damage; and what arrests have been made.

At 1645 hours on Tuesday 29 April, the telephonist at the King's Arms hotel, Larne, received a telephone call giving warning of a 3001b car bomb in the hotel car park.

At 1650, the Samaritans in Belfast received a similar telephone call but giving in addition the registration number of the car involved. The police were informed and the area was evacuated. At 1701 hours the bomb exploded resulting in extensive structural damage to the hotel and the demolition of its ballroom. Other premises within 300 yards of the
46W
hotel sustained extensive blast damage and four people were treated for shock and minor injuries.

The police are continuing with their investigations, but to date no arrests have been made. The cost of the damage is still being assessed.